Did you miss the Karl Lagerfeld Barbie?

I did--and man, am I bummed. You can see her original listing from Mattel at the Barbiecollector.com website. Her original retail was $200, and she was made in a tiny (for Mattel) edition size of 999 (Platinum Label).

She has a new face sculpt with a rooted platinum ponytail, and is wearing a darn cool Lagerfeld style black jacket, white men's shirt with French cuffs, black cravat, and black fitted jeans. She also includes fingerless gloves, a bag, glasses and ankle boots.

If you're sad you missed her--since she sold out in under an hour--you can still pick her up from collectors who apparently changed their minds and would rather be swimming in cash. On eBay, she is going for about $1000 (only five times her original price), and Marl & B has one available for even more, $1999, ten times her original cost. 

I try not to say this on my blog, but in this case, I just can't help it: holy shit.

The photos are property of Mattel.

If I worked for Mattel... Betsey Johnson Barbie #2

Betsey Johnson Barbie #2 by alison-boyd-rasmussen featuring floor length evening gowns

Betsey Johnson floor length evening gown / Betsey Johnson black high heel shoes / Betsey johnson tote / Betsey Johnson bracelet watch / Betsey Johnson vintage crystal necklace / Betsey Johnson flower bracelet / Betsey Johnson vintage heart jewelry / Betsey johnson perfume

Yep. I'd do two versions of this Betsey Johnson Barbie, if I worked for Mattel. This one would have more of a punky, evening vibe--featuring a floor-length, polka-dot tulle gown (without glitter, thank you very much), sparkling vintage-feel jewels, and a little spice with (neutral) leopard print.

This doll would probably have pink hair, I think.

I think I might be working in the wrong field, here, at home, doing laundry. ;)

If I could make a Betsey Johnson Barbie...

Betsey Johnson Barbie #1 by alison-boyd-rasmussen featuring betsey johnson jewelry

Betsey Johnson dress / Betsey Johnson intimate / Betsey Johnson robe / Betsey Johnson peep toe pumps / Betsey johnson purse / Betsey johnson jewelry / Betsey Johnson bracelet charm / Betsey Johnson watch / Betsey Johnson drop earrings / Betsey Johnson beauty product

If I worked at Mattel, I'd do my best to collaborate with Betsey Johnson to create a Barbie using her style of products.

Notice a few things:

• This version uses pastel shades and floral prints--the softer side of Betsey.
• She includes a floral day dress as well as a set of PJs (robe and nightie).
• Her jewelry is a little over-the-top and fabulous!
• Her bag and wedges are almost neutral and would look great restyled with other pieces.
• She even includes a miniature version of Betsey's signature fragrance, Too Too Pretty.

Oh yes. I see it in the near future!

Barbie - How I'd restyle her.

Barbie by alison-boyd-rasmussen on polyvore.com

This is how I'd style Barbie, if I were given the chance. Scroll through the photos below, and you can see the wardrobe I've selected. And why hasn't there been a Betsey Johnson Barbie yet? Wouldn't that be perfect?

I've been staying far away from Polyvore lately, due to budget restrictions and how much I recently spent on Urban Decay products at the Ulta store recently. (Why can't I just have one hobby?) But really... when you change your hair color as often as I do, you sort of need to update your wardrobe and makeup. Right?

Anyway--let me know what you think. And try it out! Polyvore is a LOT of fun. :)

Real life fashion dolls - Jason Wu

Jason Wu Ready-to-Wear fashion from Bergdorf Goodman

So, in my window shopping endeavors the other day, I made a few discoveries. Of course, you're familiar with Montaigne Market's Fashion Royalty exclusive that I mentioned a few days ago. I found the original design that this doll is based on, ready to order today from Bergdorf Goodman.

Unlike the doll, the people-sized fashion here shows a sequined bias-cut skirt (but you can also find a similar dress in silver, here) with the cropped trench jacket. Now, seeing the prices of these designer fashions, I wonder, does the 150 Euro price tag of a designer doll seem quite so high?

I have to confess, I'm even impressed with the shoes and the clutch--pretty nicely reproduced, at least in the promotional photos.

Daphne suede clutch 

d'Orsay ankle-wrap sandal in dove gray

Miniature versions of the designs

 And check out the video attached to the fashion--Jason Wu answers our 5 Questions. It's really cute. (Click the more button, and then you will see the link to the video.) I hate to admit how often I've worn acid-washed jeans... as a child of the 1980s, of course! Not recently! LOL!

Montaigne Market exclusive

Photos are property of Bergdorf Goodman and Integrity Toys.

Montaigne Market Fashion Royalty Exclusive

An exclusive Fashion Royalty doll will be released and sold at Montaigne Market, based on a Jason Wu design that will be displayed as part of his Paris Fashion Week collection next month.

Priced at 150 euros (about $200), this limited edition of 300 (not 250) will be on sale around March 1.

She's wearing a sporty cream jacket with a belt, over an elegant sequined dress, and she includes tiny Montaigne Market shopping bags in addition to the Daphne clutch, one of Jason's designs. I particularly love the shoes!

Photos are property of Integrity Toys.

New: Malibu Barbie by Trina Turk

With an expected shipping date of 6/13/2013, this brand new addition to Mattel's designer collection is Gold Label Malibu Barbie Doll by Trina Turk. She has been designed by Bill Greening, one of my favorite designers at Mattel.

Inspired by the original Malibu Barbie of 1971, this new rendition is dressed in an adorable floral print bikini and a lacy white cover-up. She also includes a blue satin peasant blouse and floral print shorts, as well as a coordinating oversized hat.

Like any designer doll, she includes some fabulous accessories: white sunglasses, a pink cuff bracelet with rhinestone, ring, straw tote with Trina Turk logo charm, floral print scarf, sunscreen, floral print beach towel, and fantastic platform sandals.

She's available to order at BarbieCollector now, with a limit of five dolls per order. I think she's just adorable!

Photos are property of Mattel.

OOAK Australian designer Integrity Toys dolls

Limited edition Alannah Hill POUT doll, courtesy Chadstone

According to a recent newsletter from Integrity Toys, there are a few OOAK couture dolls available for auction on eBay Australia. I'm not sure they ship outside of the US--but it wouldn't hurt to ask. Here are IT's notes on the doll:

Earlier this year, we participated in an exhibition of our dolls in Australia called POUT which featured a selection of 50 Fashion Royalty dolls created by the Integrity Toys design team since the start of the collection in 2001. Also part of this exciting exhibit, selected top Australian fashion designers where invited to replicate some of their creations in miniature and were each given an FR: Monogram doll to display their OOAK creations. These mini-couture models where also put on display at Chadstone.

These OOAK dolls that the Australian designers created are now available in a charity auction on eBay. The charity that benefits from these auctions is the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne.
Please note:

1. These are one of a kind fashions crafted by various Australian designers. As such, they may have different levels of detail and quality.

1. While we wanted to alert you to this auction, Integrity is not involved in any aspect of it and cannot answer questions, etc., so please direct them to the auction seller.

1. Please note that none of the props shown in the photos are included in these auctions. Only the dolls with their fashions are included in the auction. If you have any questions about these dolls, please contact the auction seller.

A link to the auctions can be found here. The auctions start at AU $100 (currently $103.87), and have 3 days and about 7 hours left. I have to admit--I'm tempted!

Pink Diamond Barbie by The Blonds - OOAK auction doll

Pink Diamond™ Barbie is a one-of-a-kind doll created by The Blonds. She is available now on charitybuzz, and as of the time of this post, her auction price is at $1500.

Proceeds of this doll will benefit the MAC Aids Fund organization.

Photos are property of Mattel.

New dolls from Barbie Collector

Stephen Burrows Pazette™ Barbie

Stephen Burrow Pazette™ Barbie is available for preorder now for $100. The dolls will ship September of this year. Feathers, sequins, glitter and rhinestones make up this show-stopping outfit inspired by a retro showgirl.

The Blonds Blond Diamond™ Barbie is also available for preorder for $125. She is also a Gold Label doll and will ship December 2012. Her outfit has been designed by Phillipe and David Blond, and includes a lavish gem encrusted minidress and sweeping glamorous cape.

Both dolls are limited to 5 dolls per order.

Photos are property of Mattel.

Barbie gets a Tim Gunn makeover

Keep your eyes peeled at Target at Barbiecollector.com starting next month (August) for these new Barbies and accessory pack, restyled by Tim Gunn. Above, the accessory pack includes a trench coat, houndstooth scarf, and booties for $25. 

Barbie's Casual Look "makes it work" in her skinny jeans, yellow blazer, classy patterned blouse, and metallic bag for $30.

Barbie's Work Style includes a classic pencil skirt and structured white button down shirt, wide belt, black sandals, and red bag. This look retails for $30.

Barbie's Evening Look is ready for a night out with this $25 accessory pack. It includes a black asymmetric top, patterned skirt, sandals, jewelry and black clutch.

Original story courtesy of InStyle Magazine.

Barbie is Eternal, blonde version

Here is the caucasin version of this year's Barbie convention doll, Barbie is Eternal. She was designed by Gianni Grossi and Mario Paglino of Maggia 2000. With her Roman-inspired gown and elegant accessories she is truly a beauty.

Flying Dragon Ling Lan - JAMIEshow exclusive from Haute Doll

Angelic Dreamz announced the arrival of "Flying Dragon" Ling Lan, a new sculpt JAMIEshow on a new generation body, exclusive to Haute Doll magazine on Facebook yesterday. She is gorgeous!

Inspired by Guo Pei's "Flying Dragon" couture wedding gown, Ling Lan's gown is actually a hand beaded in Guo Pei's studio. The skirt is layers (and layers) of silk tulle, with golden laser cut dragons on either side of her bodice.

The jewelry accessories included are really stunning--a rhinestone beaded tiara, lovely beaded drop earrings, and a fantastic gold dragon ring with dripping golden chain. And her crystal shoes--they deserve their own place in my cabinet, of course. So adorable!

She includes a fantastic dark wig cap as well as a full plate head cap to allow her to wear size 5 wigs. JAMIEshow dolls are created with a non-toxic resin called J-Resin, which is slightly opalescent. Her new hand style allows them to be interchanged simply by snapping them on and off at the wrist.

She will be available to order on July 12, 2012, retail price at just $475 and she's limited to just 50 dolls! You'll be able to order her directly from DOLLS Magazine. You can get regular updates on Facebook.

Photos are property of Angelic Dreamz.

The Blonds Diamond™ Barbie Doll

Coming in August, the Blonds Diamond™ Barbie will be released. No news yet on price or edition size, but she is sure to be a hit.

I have to confess, I'm not always a fan of simply white fur, sparkle and pink, for some reason... if this girl looks as nice as her promotional photos, I'm pretty excited! I love that it's the lining of her coat that's lined--and I can't help thinking how cool and versatile that diamond encrusted cocktail dress would be in my collection.

Here's the information about the designers, Philipe and David Blond:

Phillipe and David Blond met in New York City and launched The Blonds in 2008. Together they have created collections that have taken the design world by storm.
Featuring over the top looks full of glamour and spectacle embellished with crystals, chains, sequins and spikes, their pieces have garnered rave reviews from editors, fashion writers, stylists and celebrities alike, including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and Beyonce Knowles.  Quickly gaining global stature, The Blonds have been featured in Vogue, L’Officiel, Dazed & Confused, Prestige, GQ, Elle, Marie Claire , InStyle and V Magazine. Supermodels Gisele Bundchen, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell, Karlie Kloss, Chanel Iman and Iman have all been photographed in The Blonds custom couture.
In 2008 The Blonds were nominated for the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award for Womenswear.   In 2009 The Blonds were the exclusive designers at the Life Ball in Vienna, Austria - one of the largest AIDS charities and runway shows in the world - hosted by President Bill Clinton, Katy Perry and Eva Longoria. The Blonds received the esteemed Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award for Womenswear in 2009. With the EDFF grant, The Blonds presented one of the most exciting shows at New York Fashion Week. Since then, they have continued to deliver captivating runway shows, season after season!
In 2010 The Blonds collaborated with Mattel to design three one of a kind Barbie dolls.

Images property of Mattel.

Fabrizio Vitti's private doll collection

This may be slightly old news, which I unfortunately only discovered today. Originally posted in December 2011 on the Louis Vuitton website, you must visit the actual link for an amazing stop-motion video. (If you love dolls and shoes, that is.)

"Step back in time to 1944, following World War II when due to a shortage of resources, the Haute Couture fashion houses of Paris created the Thêatre de la Mode. Imagine a spectacle of fashion in miniature, designed specifically for dolls but with all the exquisite detail and perfection of the regular collections."

"Similarly, the shoe department at Louis Vuitton is inextricably connected to the sphere of dolls. Exactly the same workshop in Fiesso d'Artico, Italy, where the Louis Vuitton shoe collections are created is entrusted with the task of fabricating the parallel miniature versions for Fabrizio Viti’s private doll collection. The attention to detail is striking and in this short stop motion animation, his dolls and shoes come to life in another inspiring spectacle."

If you liked that article and video, you should check out Part I:

"Photography, the glamour in old style movies, especially French movies from the 60s, art and fashion books, are all an inspiration to Fabrizio Viti, Louis Vuitton’s shoe style director. Nonetheless, it is the history of fashion dolls and fashion dolls today that stimulate his imagination. He has been collecting dolls since he was three years old and as a result, today he has a collection with around 500 pieces."

"The creative process works in both directions, either using his dolls as a canvas for experimentation or adapting the Louis Vuitton shoe designs for his dolls. Fabrizio will often custom make shoes for his dolls and this year he made a specific shoe with a platform for one particular doll. After it was made, he liked it so much that he made it into a larger human scale version and it incidentally became the season must have."

Jason Wu...at Target?!

Yes, it's official. Jason Wu is the next designer to collaborate on a line specifically for Target. There aren't a lot of details known yet, except that it will be a smaller line than the recent Missoni for Target and that the Wu line will debut on February 5, 2012. So, who's lining up with me bright and early on the 5th?

Fashion's Night Out Exclusive Doll

Jason Wu has done an exclusive doll for Bergdorf Goodman the past 2 years and this year's is up on the website ready for preordering! This is to celebrate Fashion's Night Out that is taking place on September 8th in NYC.  You can purchase the doll there and have Jason Wu sign it as well.

 I don't have any additional info on the type of doll or face sculpt, but if you'd like to order click HERE.

**photos are property of Integrity Toys/Bergdorf Goodman**

Here is the original Jason Wu outfit

Grail Alert: Braniff Air Hostess doll designed by Emilio Pucci

I had a reader email me about this special purchase opportunity:

All four original outfits, designed by Emilio Pucci, plus the original doll (manufactured by Louis Marx) in the original box will be up for sale soon. The set is from 1967, I believe. I don't see the bubble helmet in there, however.

The outfits included are:

• lime green front zip dress with orange cuffs, matching printed hat, and lime and orange boots
• red two piece suit with a skirt and zip-front jacket, red pumps, and printed hat.
• sleek yellow color blocked dress with orange shoulders and neckline and matching socks
• blue two-piece set with slim-fit turtleneck and relaxed fit puff-legged pants

Visit Susan's website for details. You can see the details and download the PDF with pictures from her site.

JennyGrey Designs shows at the Strawberry Festival in Vista, CA!

On Sunday, one of our contributors, Jen, presented both human- and coordinating doll-sized fashions from her fashion line, JennyGrey Designs, in a real-life fashion show at the Strawberry Festival in Vista, CA.  You can see the runway show above, and find out more at her shop on Etsy.

I'm hoping she will be posting large-sized photos of each of the doll's fashions (and hopefully the people's fashions, too) on the Fashion Doll Review within the next few days! The show turned out perfectly. Congratulations, Jen!

Design Your Own One-of-a-Kind, Personalized Barbie®

charitybuzz | #264930 - Take Advantage of the Rare Opportunity to Design Your Own One-of-a-Kind, Personalized Barbie®

Wow--design-a-doll went up a notch! This is a fabulous opportunity for those Barbie collectors who have everything, love contemporary dolls, and have just won the lottery. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design a doll, and let you money go to a good cause: The Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation’s Fashion and Friends for Japan Initiative

Click through the link to see the amazing promotional photo. She's fabulous, and her value is estimated at a mere $10,000.

Other auctions of interest:

Meet Jason Wu backstage with two tickets to his September Fashion Show

Customize your own Proenze Schouler PS1 Bag with Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez

Collect a limited edition shoe created by Brian Atwood and Signed by Rachel Zoe (OMG, they are my size!)

There is something for everyone... though probably not something in everyone's price range.